FORMER IRELAND RUGBY player Jordi Murphy has announced that he will retire at the end of the season.
Murphy made his debut for Ireland in 2014 in a test match against Argentina in Resistencia, and his last cap for Ireland came in 2019 in a Six Nations match against France in Dublin.
The 31-year-old earned 31 caps for Ireland during his international career and scored 4 tries for his country. His most famous score came against the All Blacks in Chicago in 2016 as Ireland defeated New Zealand in Soldier Field.
On the club side, Murphy played 107 times for Leinster before leaving for Ulster in 2018. He has been there ever since.
Speaking via Twitter on Monday, Murphy cited his reasons for retiring from professional rugby:
It’s been a pleasure 💚🤍💙 pic.twitter.com/X3H5a4gumy
— Jordi Murphy (@Jordimurphy) April 3, 2023
"I have decided to retire from professional rugby at the end of this current season," started the lengthy statement. "I feel that the time is right, and together with my family, we are looking forward to the next chapter in our lives.
"The overwhelming feeling right now is of gratitude—for a career that I never even dreamed of having. For my wife Laura, who has always been by my side. For my mum and dad, who supported me long before becoming a professional player was even an option.
"For family and friends who have backed me through the highs and lows of the game.
"For my agent Niall and the team for all the off-field support. For all the teammates, backroom staff, and coaches, past and present, many of whom will remain lifelong friends," added Murphy.
"To play for my boyhood club Leinster and my current club Ulster are experiences I will always cherish. To have represented my country will always be one of the highlights of my life.
"That being said, there's still a bit of rugby to be played. I look forward to contributing as best I can to the team for the remainder of the season."
